I will be attending a large all school reunion in a few weeks. Because of
all my connections to Mayberry I have been asked to give a short talk about
what it was like growing up in a small town back in the '50's and '60's. I
thought I would run it past you folks as a test run. Please feel free to
not read it if you would rather not.
One of my favorite books is Molders of Dreams by Guy Doud. In his book Guy
Doud talks about the people in his early life who were the molders of his
dreams. He talked all about the little people who made him what he was. I
would like to share with you tonight the molders of my dreams all of whom
once lived in Dorchester.
One of the most important years in my life was 1951 for it was then that my
parents made the decision to move from Chicago to the little town of
Dorchester. I will be forever grateful that they made that decision for I
am convinced that if they had not; I would be a totally different person
today.
Growing up in Dorchester was special. It wasn't so special because of the
town, but it was special because of the people. There were many people in
Dorchester who were part of my life and who helped to mold me into the
person that I became. None of them will be named in any books of history,
because they were simple, honest, and ordinary people who went about their
lives in quiet ways ;but in my book of life they are all very important
characters.
I recall Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Krueger who never sent a bill to my mother when
she didn't have the money to pay her account at the end of the month and who
treated me so kindly and who rigged a contest one day so that I would win a
brand new cowboy outfit. I remember my neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Ed Werner who
allowed me to spend countless hours on their farm helping them with their
many chores. I considered it helping them but I am quite sure they
considered being in the way. But I was always welcomed and have such great
memories of the time I spent there. I recall Mr. and Mrs. Weix who had me
sell newspapers on the steps of their Drug Store on the Sundays when they
went to the Packer games and I think of Max Kornschnable who knew I needed a
job and he allowed me to set pins at the bowling alley even though I was
under aged at the time. And I will never forget the humility that my 8th
grade teacher Jim Eiden taught me when I played basketball for him and we
lost a game by a score of 88-0.
These are just a few of the many Dorchester people who were the molders of
my dreams. I could name many more. People often saying one misses out on so
many things growing up in a small town, but I take issue with that and I say
that people who grow up in small towns experience so many wonderful things
that only a small town can offer.
I spent 36 years being an elementary teacher and every single one of those
years was spent teaching in a small town. And I do not regret one bit of
that time.
I may have missed out on many cultural and educational opportunities by
growing up in Dorchester, but I believe in the world of a child there are
much more important things. I grew up among friends who really cared about
me. I grew up in a town that was quiet, friendly, and safe. Whether I was
fishing or ice skating on the old mill pond, or romping through Rau's woods
on a summer day I never once felt any fear for my safety. Even if I hadn't
told my mother where I was going and what I was going to do, there were many
others who were looking out for me. Dorchester was a small town and
everyone knew everyone else. I never saw ancient treasures in a museum as a
child, but I found many treasures buried in the Dorchester dump. I never
flew in an airplane as a child, but I rode on the top of many a hay wagon,
and I never a Broadway play growing up, but I watched movies on the wall of
the feed store on Friday nights.
My wife Linda and I will be returning to Dorchester for good some day. We
own two beautiful small plots of land just south of town and when our time
comes to be put to rest we have decided that we are going to return to
Dorchester for our final stop on our journey of life. Our plot of land lies
among those molders of my dreams. I will spend eternity among my family,
neighbors, friends, and even a former teacher. And I can't think of a more
fitting place to be than among those special people who helped me become who
I am.
Ken Anderson
2906 May Street
Eau Claire WI 54701
715-839-8470
[email protected]
www.mayberryreflections.com
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